Texas BESS Project Unites OCI, CPS Energy, and LG Energy Solution

CPS Energy

OCI Energy, CPS Energy, and LG Energy Solution launched a major Texas BESS project collaboration. The 120MW/480MWh Alamo City battery storage system will stabilize Bexar County's power grid. This strategic Texas BESS project partnership advances San Antonio's energy resilience goals significantly.

LGES Vertech Supplies Advanced Battery Technology

LG Energy Solution's US division Vertech will provide cutting-edge battery systems and management technology. OCI Energy develops the project while CPS Energy secures the storage capacity offtake agreement. Meanwhile, this partnership raises CPS's total contracted battery storage to 520MW. The facility targets operational status by late 2026.

The Texas BESS project supports grid stability during peak electricity demand periods. Furthermore, the 20-year agreement ensures long-term energy security for San Antonio residents. This development aligns with Texas's growing energy storage infrastructure requirements.

Strategic Impact on Texas Energy Transition

CPS Energy's Vision 2027 plan incorporates this battery storage system comprehensively. The initiative adds 1,710MW natural gas, 730MW solar, and 84MW wind capacity. Therefore, energy storage becomes crucial for renewable integration and grid balancing. The project demonstrates Texas's commitment to diversified energy solutions.

Battery energy storage systems transform Texas's electricity market dynamics fundamentally. Moreover, Korean battery technology strengthens US-South Korea clean energy partnerships. As a result, San Antonio gains enhanced grid resilience and sustainability capabilities. This Texas BESS project model could inspire similar developments statewide.

The Metalnomist Commentary

LG Energy Solution's participation highlights Korean battery manufacturers' aggressive US market expansion amid IRA incentives. The 480MWh capacity represents significant lithium-ion battery demand, potentially requiring 400-500 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent. This project exemplifies how energy storage drives critical mineral demand while enabling renewable energy integration at scale.

Texas Instruments Expands Chip Manufacturing with Two New Fabs in Texas

Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments Expands Domestic Semiconductor Capacity

Texas Instruments (TI) will build two new semiconductor fabrication facilities in Sherman, Texas, as part of its $60bn investment plan. The company aims to strengthen domestic semiconductor production amid rising demand and strategic US policy support. These facilities will join seven other fabs already operating or planned across Texas and Utah, collectively expected to produce hundreds of millions of chips daily at full capacity.

Federal Support Boosts Semiconductor Manufacturing Investment

The US government is playing a central role in enabling TI’s semiconductor expansion. In 2024, TI secured $1.6bn under the US Chips and Science Act to support construction of its first two Sherman fabs and its second Lehi, Utah, facility. The company also expects $6bn–8bn in additional tax credit funding from the US Treasury Department’s advanced manufacturing investment program. If Congress raises the investment credit percentage from 25pc to 30pc, TI could gain further support for its projects.

Broader Impact on Semiconductor Supply Chains

TI’s semiconductor fabs will play a crucial role in securing critical supply chains for US industries. The company produces analog and embedded processing semiconductors for major customers such as Apple, Ford, Medtronic, Nvidia, and SpaceX. By expanding capacity, TI will help reduce reliance on foreign semiconductor sources, strengthen resilience against supply shocks, and enhance competitiveness across technology and automotive markets.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Texas Instruments’ expansion reflects the reshaping of global semiconductor supply chains under US industrial policy. While the $60bn investment is significant, its real impact lies in reducing import dependency and fortifying key technology sectors. The fabs will strengthen US capabilities in advanced manufacturing, ensuring long-term resilience in a geopolitically sensitive industry.

Energy Vault and Jupiter Boost Texas Battery Storage Capacity

Energy Vault

Expanding Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage in Texas

Energy Vault and Jupiter Power will add 100MW/200MWh of utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) to the Texas grid. The expansion builds on an existing 100MW/200MWh facility at a Jupiter site in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) region, which is expected to begin commercial operations by late summer 2025.

The two companies have collaborated since signing a September 2022 deal to fast-track 2.4GWh of domestically qualified BESS. By increasing battery capacity, they aim to strengthen grid resilience, particularly in response to extreme weather events that have tested ERCOT’s stability in recent years.

Scaling Production and Supply Chain Integration

Austin-based Jupiter Power is developing 12GW of utility-scale energy storage projects across the United States, from California to Maine. In June 2024, Jupiter secured a 3GWh battery supply deal with China’s HiTHIUM, scheduled for delivery by the end of 2025. HiTHIUM is also establishing a 10GWh-per-year battery modules and systems plant in Mesquite, Texas, reinforcing domestic manufacturing capacity for large-scale storage projects.

The BESS expansion reflects growing demand for reliable renewable integration, enabling the grid to balance supply and demand more efficiently. By partnering with manufacturers and scaling local production, Energy Vault and Jupiter are positioning themselves as key players in the transition to a cleaner, more resilient US power grid.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The Energy Vault–Jupiter expansion underscores the accelerating deployment of large-scale storage to meet renewable integration challenges. The addition of domestic battery production in Texas could reduce supply chain risks and ensure faster deployment timelines. Success will depend on how efficiently these assets can be integrated into ERCOT’s operational framework.

Collins Aerospace Texas expansion secures $57mn investment and 570 jobs

Collins Aerospace

Collins Aerospace will expand manufacturing and R&D in Richardson, Texas. The Collins Aerospace Texas expansion totals $57mn. Texas awarded a $3.7mn Enterprise Fund grant. The Collins Aerospace Texas expansion will create 570 jobs.

Investment and incentives

Governor Greg Abbott announced the expansion and grant. The Collins Aerospace Texas expansion strengthens local advanced manufacturing capacity. RTX’s subsidiary will apply the funds to facilities, tooling, and hiring.

Industry impact and supply chain

Collins Aerospace manufactures systems for commercial aviation, defense, and space. Added capacity should support US aerospace supply chains. As a result, regional suppliers of alloys and electronics may see steadier demand.

The Metalnomist Commentary

State incentives remain decisive in high-tech site selection. Watch how talent pipelines and supplier onboarding pace the ramp. Material inputs, from aluminum alloys to precision components, will signal the project’s true cadence.

OCI, CPS, LGES Partner on Texas BESS Project

Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

The Alamo City BESS project in Texas marks a major milestone in energy storage and US-Korea clean energy collaboration.

Texas Battery Storage Capacity to Expand with 120MW BESS

OCI Energy, CPS Energy, and LG Energy Solution Vertech will jointly develop the Alamo City Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The 120MW/480MWh facility, located in Bexar County, Texas, will supply backup power during peak demand periods.

Under the deal, LGES Vertech will deliver the BESS units and energy management systems to OCI Energy, the project developer. CPS Energy, the municipal utility serving San Antonio, will purchase the storage capacity through a long-term offtake agreement.

This collaboration increases CPS Energy's battery storage portfolio to 520MW, ensuring greater grid reliability across south-central Texas.

BESS Project Aligns with Vision 2027 Energy Plan

The Alamo City BESS project is scheduled to begin operation by late 2026. It will play a crucial role in Vision 2027, CPS Energy’s roadmap to a balanced, reliable, and sustainable energy mix.

Vision 2027 includes plans for 1,710MW of natural gas, 500MW of firming capacity, 84MW of wind, and 730MW of solar. The addition of this battery storage system helps CPS diversify and decarbonize its energy infrastructure.

As a result, this project strengthens both energy resilience and cross-border cooperation between the US and South Korea in the energy transition.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The Alamo City BESS is more than a storage project—it’s a blueprint for municipal utilities navigating the clean energy transition. With players like OCI, CPS, and LGES joining forces, we’re seeing the integration of international technology with local grid needs. Expect similar regional collaborations to follow as US battery storage demand accelerates through 2030.

Lynas Texas rare earth processing plant faces wastewater permitting hurdles

Lynas Texas Rare Earth

The Lynas Texas rare earth processing plant now looks unlikely to proceed. Lynas Rare Earths flagged wastewater-related permitting barriers that have not eased. However, chairman John Humphrey said progress has stalled in recent months. Therefore, the Lynas Texas rare earth processing plant has shifted from growth option to execution risk.

The Lynas Texas rare earth processing plant targeted both heavy and light rare earth separation capacity. The plan covered 2,500–3,000 tonnes per year of heavy rare earths and 5,000 tonnes per year of light rare earths. Meanwhile, water treatment complexity pushed cost risk higher earlier in the year. As a result, management signaled deeper uncertainty around the project in October.

DoD support sharpens the strategic stakes for rare earth processing

US policy makers want faster rare earth processing capacity outside China. United States Department of Defense agreed in 2023 to provide up to $258mn in support for the proposed project. However, Lynas expects to pursue commercial offtake arrangements using material from Malaysia operations. Meanwhile, MP Materials received a NdPr price floor that can stabilize domestic magnet inputs. Therefore, permitting becomes a central constraint on supply chain security goals.

Operational outages add near-term uncertainty to feedstock flows

Lynas also faces operational headwinds beyond permitting. Power outages at Kalgoorlie disrupted feedstock production that supports downstream output. Meanwhile, the company expects to lose about one month of rare earth production at its Malaysian plant. However, it cannot yet quantify the full production impact. As a result, delivery planning and customer confidence may depend on clearer recovery timelines.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This case shows how wastewater permitting can reshape critical minerals timelines faster than capital support. However, DoD-backed demand signals still favor separated oxides and NdPr outside China. Therefore, execution will hinge on permitting solutions and resilient feedstock operations.

Tesla Texas lithium refinery starts operations near Corpus Christi

Texas lithium refinery

Tesla Texas lithium refinery operations have started near Corpus Christi, creating a regional battery materials source. Tesla Texas lithium refinery capacity can supply lithium for over 500,000 EVs per year. Meanwhile, Tesla says it moved from 2023 groundbreaking to operations at record speed for its new process.

Tesla Texas lithium refinery output focuses on battery-grade lithium hydroxide for EV packs. The plant strengthens Tesla’s US battery supply chain for its Austin vehicle factory and other sites. As a result, Tesla can reduce exposure to long, fragile conversion routes.

A new refining route that targets cleaner byproducts

Tesla’s process changes how it treats spodumene into lithium chemicals. The process avoids hazardous byproducts and produces a co-product for concrete mixes. However, the commercial value of that co-product will matter for long-run unit costs.

This approach also changes permitting and compliance conversations around conversion plants. Cleaner waste profiles can reduce friction with local stakeholders and regulators. Therefore, process performance and consistent quality will decide whether the model scales.

Feedstock links Canada and Australia to a US battery hub

Tesla sources spodumene concentrate from North American Lithium in Canada and Liontown’s Kathleen Valley in Australia. Those supply links connect upstream mining to a US conversion hub on the Gulf Coast. Meanwhile, Gulf logistics can support inbound concentrate and outbound battery-grade material efficiently.

The strategic value is clear in a market defined by price swings and policy risk. A domestic lithium hydroxide node can support tighter production planning and inventory control. As a result, Tesla can treat refining as a resilience tool, not only a cost lever.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Tesla’s refining start is a supply chain signal as much as a materials milestone. However, the model still hinges on reliable spodumene flows and stable conversion yields. The winners will pair new chemistry with disciplined procurement and long-term offtake alignment.

Texas Instruments Secures $1.6 Billion in CHIPS Act Funding for Semiconductor Expansion

Texas Instruments

The U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded $1.6 billion to Texas Instruments under the CHIPS and Science Act, supporting the construction of two semiconductor fabrication plants in Sherman, Texas, and one in Lehi, Utah. This funding is part of the U.S. government’s push to strengthen domestic semiconductor production and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.

Texas Instruments is currently building three large-scale 300mm wafer fabrication facilities, all of which are set to operate using 100% renewable electricity by 2027. The Sherman facilities are expected to commence operations in 2025, while the Utah facility is scheduled to begin production in 2026.

Additional Federal Incentives Expected

Beyond the CHIPS Act funding, Texas Instruments anticipates an additional $6 billion to $8 billion in funding from the U.S. Treasury Department's Investment Tax Credit, which supports manufacturing investments under the federal initiative.

These investments align with the Biden administration’s semiconductor strategy, aiming to enhance domestic chip production, support clean energy initiatives, and boost national security in the semiconductor supply chain.

Metallium raises $50.6mn for Texas plant to scale e-waste metals recovery

Metallium

Metallium raises $50.6mn for Texas plant as it accelerates commissioning at its Gator Point Technology Campus. Metallium raises $50.6mn for Texas plant through a capital raise backed by US institutional investors. As a result, Metallium can expand capacity, secure feedstock, and strengthen working capital during ramp-up.

Metallium raises $50.6mn for Texas plant to push its proprietary Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology closer to repeatable industrial output. The company started commissioning in December. Meanwhile, it is prioritizing printed circuit board processing to recover copper, tin, gold, and silver in the first commissioning stage.

What the funding supports in capacity, feedstock, and technology

Metallium plans to allocate the proceeds across equipment, feedstock procurement, and technology development. The company also needs liquidity because e-waste recycling strains working capital. Therefore, a larger balance sheet can help stabilize purchase programs for scrap-rich inputs during volatile metals pricing.

The ramp-up also signals an intent to move beyond basic recovery into higher-value separation. However, recyclers must prove consistent yields and impurity control across variable feed streams. That execution risk often defines whether early-stage plants reach steady-state utilization.

Why gallium and germanium processing matters for critical minerals supply chains

Metallium plans to add a gallium and germanium processing line after its initial commissioning stage. Gallium and germanium sit at the intersection of semiconductors, defense electronics, and export-controlled materials. As a result, any credible non-Chinese recovery route attracts strategic interest from buyers and policymakers.

Glencore has also agreed to supply 2,400t/yr of electronic waste to support Metallium’s Texas buildout. Meanwhile, a secured feedstock channel reduces one of the biggest risks in recycling economics. However, Metallium still needs to translate contracted volumes into qualified products that meet customer specs.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This raise looks like a scale-up bet on execution rather than a pure technology story. However, Metallium must prove throughput and unit economics before it moves into gallium and germanium. The recyclers that lock feedstock and deliver consistent purity will capture the premium.

Freyr Battery Shifts Strategy: Moves Headquarters to Texas and Scraps Georgia Battery Plant Plan

Freyr Battery

Freyr Battery has made a major strategic shift, cancelling its plans for a battery factory in Georgia and instead choosing to establish its new headquarters in Austin, Texas. The move aims to accelerate solar module production and align operations with the company's long-term growth strategy.

Freyr Sells Georgia Site and Focuses on Texas Expansion

Freyr decided to sell its 368-acre site in Coweta County, Georgia, for $50 million. Originally acquired in 2022, the Georgia site was intended for battery manufacturing, with a projected capital investment of up to $2.6 billion. However, the company has now chosen to concentrate its efforts in Texas, where it plans to focus on producing solar modules and other energy solutions made in the U.S.

A Shift in Strategy: Focus on U.S. Solar Production

In 2023, Freyr made the decision to redomicile from Luxembourg to the United States, attracted by the favorable tax incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act. This move aligns with Freyr's strategy to accelerate its U.S.-based operations, including its recent acquisition of a 5GW solar module manufacturing facility in Wilmar, Texas. The facility, purchased for $340 million from China’s Trina Solar, is expected to begin production in the second half of 2026.

This shift from battery manufacturing to solar module production reflects Freyr's commitment to the growing renewable energy market in the U.S. and its intention to expand its footprint in the clean energy sector.

Westbrook Energy Group Rebrands as OneWest: A Strategic Move to Strengthen Forging Operations

Westbrook Energy Group

In a significant shift for the forging industry, Westbrook Energy Group has officially rebranded as OneWest. This move consolidates the company’s various acquisitions into a more unified identity, signaling the group’s ambition to strengthen its position in new markets. The rebrand integrates key operations, including Forge USA, Viking Iron Works, and Western of Texas, under a new umbrella, OneWest Manufacturing Partners. However, Westbrook Manufacturing, Federal Flange, and Forged Components will remain separate brands, continuing their individual operations.

Streamlining Operations Under OneWest Manufacturing Partners

OneWest’s rebrand reflects the company’s strategic decision to unify its core operations while retaining individual brands where appropriate. Viking Iron Works, located in Poughkeepsie, New York, manufactures custom open die forgings for aerospace and industrial markets. With a capacity of up to 2,600 pounds, the company also provides heat treating, machining, and testing services. Viking handles a diverse range of materials, including carbon and alloy steels, as well as titanium grades, to produce seamless rings, disks, and bars.

Forge USA, based in Houston, Texas, focuses on producing open die forgings ranging from 1,000 to 55,000 pounds for similar industries. In addition to heat treating, Forge USA specializes in carbon, alloy, and stainless steels. The company plays a vital role in meeting the growing demands of various industrial sectors.

Western of Texas, situated in Kountze, Texas, specializes in flanges for oil and gas, petrochemical, and mining industries. The company’s expertise lies in producing custom forgings, including rings, disks, and blocks, weighing up to 55,000 pounds. Western of Texas works with stainless steel, nickel-based alloys, and low-temperature alloys to serve its diverse clientele.

No Disruption to Operations or Customer Commitments

Despite the integration of these key operations, OneWest emphasized that the restructuring will not disrupt ongoing operations or affect customer commitments. This strategic move aims to enhance the company’s ability to serve its clients more efficiently while solidifying its presence in key markets.

US Expands Indium Phosphide (InP) Manufacturing Capacity Amid Growing Demand and Supply Chain Challenges

Indium Phosphide (InP)

The US is ramping up indium phosphide (InP) production capacity through private investment and government support to meet increasing demand for optoelectronic devices and secure supply chain resilience in the face of geopolitical tensions.

Indium Phosphide Demand Drives Expansion

US semiconductor and optoelectronic manufacturers are expanding InP production capacity to address a growing supply-demand gap. InP-based technologies, essential for AI infrastructure, data communications, and emerging applications like 6G wireless and quantum technology, are becoming increasingly critical as the demand for data processing and energy-efficient solutions surges.

Geopolitical factors are adding urgency to this expansion. China's restrictions on gallium and germanium exports to the US have spurred American companies to strengthen their domestic supply chains.

Key Investments Underway

1. Coherent:

• $33 million investment under the CHIPS Act to modernize and expand its Sherman, Texas facility.
• Transitioning to 6-inch InP wafer fabrication, enabling 4x device output per wafer to meet high-volume demands.
• Additional plans to construct 6-inch wafer plants in Texas and Järfälla, Sweden.

2. Infinera:

• $93 million federal funding for a new InP photonic IC fabrication facility in San Jose, California, and a test and packaging plant in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
• The California facility will expand production capacity 10-fold, while the Pennsylvania plant will support advanced test and packaging for secure communications and emerging technologies.

3. IntelliEPI:

• Received $4.12 million from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) to triple annual wafer production at its Allen, Texas facility.
• Focused on InP and gallium arsenide wafers for optoelectronic and electronic devices.

4. Lumentum:

• Scaling InP optical transceiver and laser production to support cloud computing and AI workloads.
• Investing $74 million in capacity expansions, including at its Thailand manufacturing site, with production capacity fully booked until the end of 2025.

Strengthening Supply Chains and National Security

The new InP production facilities will:

• Enhance energy efficiency for data center communications.
• Secure supply chains for national security agencies, including the Department of Defense and intelligence services.
• Support critical emerging technologies like LiDAR, quantum sensing, and 6G wireless networks.

Federal support, coupled with state initiatives like the Texas Chips Act, underscores the US government's commitment to strengthening its semiconductor and optoelectronics industry.

T1 Energy Plans 5GW Solar Cell Plant in Texas to Strengthen US Supply Chain

T1 Energy

Texas Facility Marks New Phase for US Solar Manufacturing

T1 Energy announced plans to build a 5GW solar cell facility in Texas, aiming to address critical gaps in the US solar supply chain. The $850mn G2_Austin plant is scheduled to start production by late 2026. This project follows T1 Energy’s acquisition of Trina Solar’s US assets in 2024 and a rebranding from Freyr Battery, which abandoned its $2.6bn battery storage project in Georgia.

The new facility will supply cells to the 5GW G1_Dallas module plant, reducing reliance on imports from Asia. Current US solar cell capacity remains just 2GW, compared to 56GW of module production. This imbalance highlights the urgency of building more domestic cell production.

US Tariffs and Technology Drive Expansion

T1 Energy’s Texas project benefits from US tariffs and tax incentives, which encourage domestic solar manufacturing. The US Commerce Department has imposed anti-dumping duties on PV cells from Southeast Asia to counter circumvention of Chinese tariffs. Meanwhile, T1 Energy will adopt high-efficiency TOPCon technology, which uses n-type polysilicon. This move reflects the global shift from older Perc technology toward higher-performing solar cells.

However, tariff uncertainty has caused the company to lower its module production forecast for 2025 to 2.6–3GW, down from 3.4GW. T1 Energy is also holding off on long-term power purchase agreements until cost visibility improves. Despite these challenges, the Austin facility represents a major step toward reshoring solar cell production and securing domestic supply chains.

The Metalnomist Commentary

T1 Energy’s 5GW solar cell project signals a turning point for US clean energy policy, linking tariffs, incentives, and new technology adoption. If executed successfully, this facility could strengthen US energy independence while setting a precedent for integrated solar manufacturing in North America. However, cost pressures and tariff volatility remain significant risks for long-term stability.

MP Materials Magnet Campus in Texas Expands US Rare Earth Manufacturing Capacity

MP Materials

MP Materials magnet campus plans in Northlake, Texas, mark a major step in building a larger US rare earth magnet supply chain. The company’s planned “10X” facility will lift its total neodymium-iron-boron magnet production capacity to about 10,000 t/yr.

The MP Materials magnet campus is expected to require more than $1.25bn in investment. Engineering and equipment procurement are already underway, and commissioning is scheduled for 2028. The project strengthens the company’s position as one of the few integrated Western rare earth producers moving from mining and refining into finished magnet production.

The location also carries strategic value. Northlake sits fewer than 10 miles from MP’s existing Independence facility in Fort Worth, allowing the company to build a regional magnet manufacturing cluster with shared industrial infrastructure, workforce development, and supply-chain connectivity.

Texas Incentives Support Domestic Magnet Scale-Up

Texas, Denton County, and the City of Northlake approved an incentive package worth $200mn over a decade. The package includes grants, abatements, and exemptions designed to support one of the most capital-intensive segments of the rare earth value chain.

This support reflects the strategic importance of neodymium-iron-boron magnets. These magnets are used in electric motors, robotics, drones, defense systems, wind power, industrial automation, and advanced electronics. For the US, domestic magnet capacity is becoming a national competitiveness issue as China continues to dominate much of the rare earth processing and magnet manufacturing chain.

The MP Materials magnet campus also expands the company’s role beyond raw material supply. MP describes itself as an integrated magnet producer, with activities spanning mining, refining, metallization, alloying, sintering, finished magnet production, and recycling. That vertical model is important because rare earth supply security depends on every step between ore and magnet-ready components.

Northlake Adds Scale to Fort Worth Magnet Platform

MP’s existing Independence facility in Fort Worth provides the foundation for the Northlake expansion. Independence has 1,000 t/yr of magnet production capacity, with a 2,000 t/yr expansion already underway. That site is also anchored by a partnership with Apple focused on magnet recycling.

The Northlake project adds a much larger scale-up pathway. By targeting about 10,000 t/yr in total neodymium-iron-boron magnet capacity, MP is positioning itself to serve higher-volume demand from automotive, electronics, energy, and defense customers.

Recycling will also become more important as magnet demand grows. Recovered magnets can provide an additional rare earth feedstock stream and reduce pressure on primary supply. In a market exposed to geopolitical risk, recycling can strengthen domestic material resilience and improve traceability.

The Metalnomist Commentary

MP’s Northlake project shows that the US rare earth strategy is shifting from mining announcements to industrial execution. The critical test will be whether domestic magnet production can scale with competitive costs, qualified customers, and reliable feedstock flows.

MTM Critical Metals raises $33mn for Texas metals recovery

MTM Critical Metals

Funding secured for a 2026 start

MTM Critical Metals raises $33mn for Texas metals recovery through an A$50mn placement. The pre-permitted site targets commercial operations in 2026. Institutional investors led by Petra Capital backed the raise. The plan strengthens a US critical minerals hub. MTM Critical Metals raises $33mn for Texas metals recovery to accelerate build-out.

Technology, feedstock and partnerships

The company will deploy Flash Joule Heating to recover high-value metals. The FJH process has recovered antimony and gallium from e-waste. Long-term agreements secure 1,100 t/yr of e-scrap feedstock. Dynamic Lifecycle will supply 700 t/yr for five years. MTM will rebrand as Metallium as construction advances.

MTM will allocate 40pc to site and infrastructure. It will direct 25pc to FJH system construction. Around 15pc will fund feedstock procurement. Remaining funds support working capital and commissioning. As a result, the project remains staged and capital efficient.

The firm seeks US government support to de-risk execution. Meanwhile, a new agreement covers mixed rare earth carbonate from Brazil. Meteoric Resources’ Caldeira project could feed future REE separation. The Texas site adds optionality beyond e-waste streams. This broadens revenue across antimony, gallium, and rare earths.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This raise advances midstream capacity where supply chains remain fragile. If feedstock ramps smoothly and FJH scales, Metallium could become a key US recycler for strategic metals.

Glencore Metallium e-waste recycling deal backs Texas critical metals recovery

Metallium

Glencore Metallium e-waste recycling deal will supply 2,400 tonnes per year of electronic waste to Metallium. Glencore Metallium e-waste recycling deal supports Metallium’s developing processing plant in Texas. As a result, Metallium can accelerate commissioning and prove commercial recovery at scale.

Glencore Metallium e-waste recycling deal builds on an in-principle arrangement reached in October 2025. Under the updated binding agreement signed on 5 January, Glencore becomes a core feedstock supplier. Meanwhile, Glencore also positions itself as a potential offtaker for recovered metals. This structure reduces early-stage market risk for a new recycler.

Why stable e-waste feedstock matters for copper and PGM recovery

Feedstock reliability is the first bottleneck in e-waste recycling economics. A steady 2,400 t/yr stream allows Metallium to stabilize plant utilization and metallurgical yields. Therefore, it can optimize recovery of copper and palladium from complex scrap mixes.

E-waste carries high-value metals but comes with processing variability. However, a long-term supplier can improve material consistency through sorting and specification discipline. As a result, recyclers can lower unit costs and raise payable metal recovery.

What the partnership signals for US circular supply chains

This deal reflects a broader shift toward domestic critical metals recovery in the US. Metallium is also pursuing non-exclusive partnerships, which reduces single-counterparty dependency. Meanwhile, its collaboration with ElementUSA on red mud adds a second feedstock pathway. That diversification can improve project bankability.

Metallium’s Texas plant is expected to open this year, creating a near-term test of execution. Therefore, the market will watch offtake terms for recovered metals and ramp-up performance. A clear offtake structure would help move from pilot credibility to repeatable industrial throughput.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This agreement highlights how feedstock security now rivals ore security in metals strategy. However, recycling winners will be those who lock both inputs and offtake early. If Metallium executes, Texas could become a meaningful node in US circular copper and PGM supply.

Texas LFP Plant Links Domestic Lithium Supply With Cathode Production

EnergyX

Texas LFP plant development is moving forward after Wildcat Discovery Technologies and EnergyX formed a joint venture to produce lithium iron phosphate cathode active material in Hooks. The project represents more than $230mn of investment and is designed for around 15,000 t/yr of CAM capacity.

Texas LFP plant plans are strategically important because the facility will sit next to EnergyX’s Lonestar lithium project in the Smackover formation. This creates a potential domestic route from lithium extraction and conversion to cathode material production.

Texas LFP plant supply will also benefit from a structured lithium pricing agreement. EnergyX will provide lithium carbonate to the joint venture at commercially favourable terms, including a market discount and price floor and ceiling intended to reduce exposure to lithium price volatility.

The project strengthens US efforts to localise more of the battery value chain, particularly for LFP chemistry used in electric vehicles and stationary energy storage.

Co-Location Reduces Battery Supply Chain Risk

The Hooks facility is designed to produce about 15,000 t/yr of LFP cathode active material, with potential for future expansion.

Its location beside EnergyX’s Lonestar lithium operation is the project’s main industrial advantage. Co-locating lithium supply and cathode production can reduce logistics complexity, shorten supply chains and improve feedstock security.

EnergyX plans to produce 48,500 t/yr of lithium hydroxide at Lonestar by 2030. The first phase is expected to reach 14,250 t/yr by 2028.

The project is targeting operating expenditure of about $3.85/kg, which could strengthen the economics of downstream battery material production if that cost structure is achieved at scale.

The joint venture will initially receive lithium carbonate under a pricing structure that limits exposure to extreme market movements. This gives the cathode operation greater cost visibility during periods of lithium volatility.

For battery materials projects, this kind of feedstock agreement can be as important as plant capacity. Cathode producers need reliable supply, predictable chemistry and manageable pricing to compete with established Asian producers.

LFP Growth Supports US Battery Localization

LFP chemistry is gaining market share because it offers lower cost, strong cycle life and improved thermal stability compared with nickel-rich cathode systems.

It also avoids nickel and cobalt, reducing exposure to two globally concentrated and price-sensitive battery metals. However, LFP still depends heavily on lithium supply and specialised cathode manufacturing capability.

The Wildcat-EnergyX project therefore addresses two major US supply-chain gaps at the same time: domestic lithium production and domestic cathode active material manufacturing.

Stationary energy storage is likely to be an important demand source. Large grid batteries increasingly favour LFP because of its durability, safety characteristics and lower material cost.

EV demand could provide another growth route, particularly as automakers expand lower-cost vehicle platforms using LFP cells.

The project also illustrates a wider shift in US battery strategy. Rather than building isolated mines or chemical plants, developers are increasingly trying to connect extraction, conversion and active material production within regional industrial clusters.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The Wildcat-EnergyX venture is strategically stronger because it links lithium supply directly with LFP cathode production. US battery localization will depend less on individual plants and more on integrated regional chains that control feedstock, processing and pricing risk.

HyProMag May Get $92mn for Rare Earth Magnet Recycling

HyProMag

HyProMag Expands Rare Earth Recycling with US Support

HyProMag may receive up to $92mn from the US Export-Import Bank to build a rare earth magnet recycling and production hub in Texas. The proposed financing, with a 10-year repayment term, would support the development of a Dallas-Fort Worth facility capable of processing 750 tonnes of recycled NdFeB magnets annually. The hub will also produce over 800 tonnes of NdFeB co-products.

The project is part of HyProMag’s broader effort to commercialize hydrogen processing of magnet scrap recycling technology across the UK, Germany, and the US. The Texas facility is expected to take five years to commission and operate for 40 years, positioning HyProMag as a key player in securing North American rare earth supply chains.

Strategic Positioning in Critical Raw Materials

HyProMag’s US expansion includes pre-processing facilities in South Carolina and Nevada, which will support the main Texas hub. This network is designed to create a domestic supply chain for recycled rare earth magnets, reducing reliance on primary extraction and overseas suppliers.

Investor Mkango Resources also links the project to its international portfolio, including Malawi’s Songwe Hill rare earths mine and Poland’s Pulawy separation project. Both projects are recognized under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act, highlighting their strategic importance in diversifying global rare earth supply.

The Metalnomist Commentary

HyProMag’s planned Texas hub signals a decisive shift toward circular economy solutions in the rare earth sector. If secured, the $92mn financing would not only strengthen US supply chain independence but also reduce environmental impacts from mining. This move underscores growing geopolitical pressure to secure rare earth materials domestically.

Tesla Launches Texas Lithium Hydroxide Refinery: A Game Changer for EV Battery Production

Tesla Lithium Hydroxide Refinery

Tesla has officially begun operations at its lithium hydroxide refinery in Texas, marking a significant step in the company’s strategy to control its supply chain for critical battery materials. Located near Corpus Christi, the new facility aims to process lithium at scale, securing Tesla’s position as a major player in the electric vehicle (EV) market and ensuring a more stable supply of this vital element.

Tesla’s Vision for Lithium Refining at Scale

Following the groundbreaking of the facility in May 2024, Tesla has now successfully processed raw materials through its kiln. This refinery is a pivotal part of Tesla's plan to reduce its reliance on third-party suppliers and mitigate the effects of skyrocketing lithium prices. Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, emphasized that while lithium is abundant globally, the slow pace of extraction and refinement has created a bottleneck. The Texas refinery is designed to address this challenge by processing lithium more efficiently and directly at scale.

The facility is capable of refining lithium hydroxide, a key component in EV battery production. Tesla's refinery will primarily process spodumene concentrate, the most common raw material used to produce lithium hydroxide. However, the company has also announced plans to process recycled batteries and manufacturing scrap at the facility in the future, which would further enhance the sustainability and efficiency of its operations.

Advanced Refining Technology and Sustainable Practices

One of the most notable features of Tesla's new refinery is its acid-free lithium refining method, which reduces environmental impact compared to traditional refining techniques. The byproduct of this process—comprising sand and limestone—can be used in construction materials, further contributing to the sustainability goals of Tesla’s operations.

The refinery has a projected capacity of 50 GWh/yr, though Tesla has not disclosed a specific timeline for ramping up to full production capacity. The company’s efforts to diversify its lithium supply chain are also evident in its sourcing strategy. In 2023, Tesla sourced over 75% of its lithium from mining and refining companies, including industry giants such as Albemarle, Acradium, Ganfeng, and Yahua.

Implications for the EV Industry and Lithium Supply Chain

Tesla’s Texas lithium refinery represents a critical move in the global shift toward more sustainable and efficient lithium extraction. As demand for electric vehicles continues to surge, securing a stable and cost-effective supply of lithium is paramount. This refinery could serve as a model for other manufacturers looking to mitigate risks associated with lithium shortages and price volatility.

While Tesla has yet to provide full details on the ramp-up timeline, the opening of this facility signals the company’s ongoing commitment to innovating within the energy and automotive sectors, ensuring that it remains a leader in the electric vehicle industry.

TI Silicon Labs Acquisition Signals a Bigger Push in US Semiconductor Reshoring

Texas Instruments

The TI Silicon Labs acquisition marks a major move in the US semiconductor sector. Texas Instruments plans to acquire Silicon Labs in a deal worth about $7.5bn. The transaction would add a large wireless connectivity portfolio to TI’s business. As a result, the TI Silicon Labs acquisition could strengthen both product scale and domestic manufacturing control.

This deal matters because Silicon Labs brings around 1,200 embedded wireless connectivity products. Those products fit closely with TI’s broader semiconductor footprint. Management said the portfolio integrates well with TI’s manufacturing strategy. Therefore, the TI Silicon Labs acquisition looks like a capacity and product expansion move at the same time.

The industrial message is also clear. TI plans to reshore Silicon Labs manufacturing from overseas foundries. That gives the company more direct control over production, supply security, and long-term cost structure. Consequently, the TI Silicon Labs acquisition supports a wider US semiconductor reshoring trend.

US Semiconductor Reshoring Gains More Strategic Weight

US semiconductor reshoring is becoming a bigger part of TI’s long-term strategy. The company already operates three 300mm wafer fabs in the United States. Two are in Texas and one is in Utah. As a result, TI has a strong domestic production base to absorb future expansion.

The company is also planning more capacity. TI intends to build two additional 300mm fabs in Texas under its $60bn domestic investment plan. That means the Silicon Labs acquisition would sit inside a much larger manufacturing agenda. Therefore, US semiconductor reshoring is not a side theme here. It is central to the deal’s logic.

This matters for supply chains as well. Companies want more stable access to chips used in communications, industrial systems, and connected devices. Domestic manufacturing offers better visibility during geopolitical or logistics disruption. Meanwhile, reshoring can improve alignment between product design and production strategy.

300mm Wafer Fabs and Wireless Products Create a Stronger TI Platform

300mm wafer fabs give TI a meaningful advantage in scale and manufacturing efficiency. Adding Silicon Labs could let TI connect that production strength with a deeper wireless product offering. That combination could be especially valuable in industrial and embedded markets. Consequently, the TI Silicon Labs acquisition may improve both reach and operating leverage.

The transaction structure also shows confidence. TI expects to fund the deal with cash and debt financing. The companies expect the acquisition to close in the first half of 2027, subject to shareholder approval. Therefore, the market now has a clearer timeline for how this strategy may unfold.

The broader takeaway is important. This is not only a portfolio expansion. It is also a bet that domestic semiconductor manufacturing and wireless connectivity will matter more together in the years ahead. As a result, the TI Silicon Labs acquisition may become a notable example of how product strategy and reshoring strategy are starting to merge.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This deal stands out because it combines technology breadth with manufacturing intent. TI is not just buying wireless products. It is using the acquisition to reinforce a longer-term US semiconductor reshoring strategy built around scale, control, and domestic capacity.